Kendo and Monoma's dynamic in 'My Hero Academia' is one of those love-hate relationships that keeps you glued to the page. At first, Monoma comes off as this arrogant, almost insufferable guy who can't resist taunting Class 1-A, especially Bakugo. But Kendo, as the class rep of 1-B, has this no-nonsense attitude that keeps him in check—literally, she’s not afraid to chop him on the head when he gets out of line. Over time, though, you see glimpses of mutual respect. During the Joint Training Arc, Monoma actually listens to her strategic input, and she acknowledges his cleverness, even if his methods are extra. It’s not a deep dive into friendship, but there’s a sense that they balance each other out, like a chaotic little sibling and the exasperated older sister who low-key cares.
What’s really interesting is how their relationship subtly mirrors the rivalry between 1-A and 1-B. Kendo represents the disciplined, team-oriented side, while Monoma thrives on unpredictability. Yet, when push comes to shove, they work together seamlessly. The manga doesn’t spoon-feed their development, but those small moments—like Kendo rolling her eyes but still backing him up, or Monoma grudgingly admitting she’s right—add layers to their interactions. It’s less about dramatic growth and more about how two very different personalities coexist under pressure.